Friday, May 29, 2009

As the years go by, something happens when it comes to birthdays. Some of the excitement with which we greet the birthdays of our youth fades as we watch the candles multiply so quickly on our cakes. In a flash, getting older is something you dread rather than something you look forward to. And so, it was with some apprehension that I greeted my 41st birthday on Tuesday. I am now firmly entrenched in the "mid-life" portion of my years, and it is beginning to seem too late for so many things.

However, life is all really a matter of what kind of attitude you choose to bring. And when I think about it, turning 41 is a pretty wonderful thing. I can remember the days of my teens and early 20's, and the brief moments that I allowed myself to think about my diabetes and my future. I was fairly certain I would not be around to see my 41st birthday. And if I was, I was sure I would be riddled with those scary complications that were drilled into me as a young diabetic. Be good, or you will go blind / lose limbs / suffer kidney failure / get eaten by goblins. (Okay, I made that last one up.)

In the almost 30 years since my diagnosis, I have not exactly been "good". Sure, I take care of myself now, but in my younger years . . . not so much. And yet, I can see. I have my limbs. My kidneys are fine. I have, apparently, out run the Diabetes Goblins.

I'd say that sure is something to celebrate. I'm thankful for my 41 years, and I'm daring to dream of 41 more!

I Am . . .

Karen Graffeo

I'm a Knitter living with Type 1 Diabetes. I'm not a medical professional nor am I giving medical advice - I'm just a girl sharing my personal thoughts and experiences with diabetes. I live in New England with my wonderful husband, my adorable cat, and lots and lots of yarn.